NHL Trade Rumor: Insider believes Toronto Maple Leafs eyeing major addition in roster ahead of deadline

As the NHL trade deadline on March 7 approaches, the Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to improve their roster. TSN’s Chris Johnston reported that the Leafs will be motivated buyers.

Speaking on the "First UP 1050" podcast, Johnston said that the Leafs have been looking for a center for months. They have enough picks and prospects to make a trade.

“They’ll be among the pretty motivated buyers out there, coming to March 7," Johnston said on Tuesday, via Leafslatest. "They don’t have their 1st round pick this year, so they don’t have a full cupboard completely, but I do think they have enough in terms of picks and prospects to make some additions that can help them for the playoff run.”

This is not the first time Johnston has talked about the Toronto Maple Leafs ahead of the trade deadline. During Monday's edition of the "CJ Show," Johnston said that the Leafs' main focus is to add a middle-six center.

"There are very few guarantees in life, but I'm willing to offer you one: The Leafs will acquire a middle-six center before the trade deadline passes at 3 p.m. ET on March 7," Johnston said. "It's a need management identified months ago. As for who it will be? The market of available players hasn't taken enough shape yet to allow us to identify the top candidate. But the Leafs have the picks and prospects needed to make that kind of addition, and they have the desire, too."

Toronto has struggled with depth beyond its top six forwards. Adding a middle-six center would help balance the lineup.

Toronto Maple Leafs are aiming for playoffs with strong performance

Toronto Maple Leafs have a record of 26-13-2 and are on a four-game winning streak. They are first in the Atlantic Division with 54 points, four points ahead of the Florida Panthers and nine points above the Boston Bruins. They are likely going to make it to playoffs with their strong record.

Under Craig Berube, the Leafs will aim to qualify past the first round. They lost to the Bruins in the opening round last season and fired Sheldon Keefe.

This season, Toronto captain Auston Matthews has already missed 15 games. However, the Leafs' core four have taken their responsibilities seriously. Mitch Marner has stepped up with 42 assists and 14 goals for 56 points while William Nylander is leading the team with 23 goals.